The UPL is back this weekend so what better way to prepare for its return than a quick run down of the most exciting players to keep an eye on over the next couple months
ONE PLAYER TO LOOK OUT FOR PER CLUB
Reverse league order below:
12. Yehor Nazaryna (Karpaty)
There are few positives to be found in Lviv’s season so far. They’re bottom of the league with the drop looming.
If there is going to be one player who can attempt to sway that decline it’s this central midfielder.
He may be the club top scorer with 5, but he will need to step up those contributions + assists in final 9 games if Karpaty are to survive.
11. Zahedi Shahab (Olimpik)
After a flurry of good displays at the end of 2019, his decline in form has coincided with Olimpik’s slip down the table.
One of few bright sparks in the side who has the ability to produce a game changing moment. He’s a powerful forward – fast, strong & a tidy finisher.
10. Pape Alioune N’Diaye (Vorskla)
A young CB who has really hit the ground running in 2020. At 6’7, he’s a menacing presence to have at the back.
He’s also helped to rejuvenate, what was a disjointed and tired looking defence. His athletic displays caused people to notice during impressive performances v Shakhtar & Dynamo.
9. Bohdan Sarnavskyi (Lviv)
The penalty saving king!
For what Lviv lack in attacking strength, they look like quite a solid unit at the back – especially with Sarnavskyi between the sticks. He’s saved 3 of his last 3 penalties faced. You anticipate more clean sheets to come for him in the relegation group.
8. Dmytro Mishnyov (Mariupol)
Mishnyov has after being moved from CM to a more attacking role.
Combining his passing ability with astute finishing he’ll be looking to add to his 3 goals + 3 assists as his side chase a UEL Play off spot. He’s the closest thing to a Vakula replacement.
7. Vladyslav Supryaha (Dnipro-1)
The on loan Dynamo man has finally got into his groove since the turn of the year.
After an inconsistent end to 2019 – the U20 WC winning striker has 9 goals in 18 apps (the majority of goals coming as a sub)
He’ll be looking to have a field day in the Bottom 6.
6. Arni Vilhjalmsson (Kolos)
After breaking onto the UPL scene last season, the forward from Iceland has proven to be a natural goalscorer with the ability to create chances out of nothing.
Kolos are underdogs in the Top 6 this term but with Arni’s contributions they should be able to spring some surprises.
5. Kyrylo Kovalets (Olexandria)
After missing the end of 2019 and early 2020 through injury, Olexandria’s most creative player returned just before lockdown began.
With 6 goals and 3 assists, he’s vital to his side’s counter-attacking game plan.
He’s also attracted recent interest from a number of Serie A clubs according to Ukrainian sources
4. Oleksandr Filippov (Desna)
The Club & Player surprise package combo of the season. Filippov has been the charging force in Desna’s unlikely challenge for an automatic UEL place.
13 goals scored so far (with a good scoring record versus league rivals Dynamo + Zorya). It bodes well for the run in.
3. Denys Popov (Dynamo)
It’s been the U20 WC winning CB’s breakthrough club season! After initial scepticism from the coaching team – he’s slotted in alongside Shabanov with ease!
Tough tackling, aggressive and dangerous at set pieces – can even be described as Ramos-esque! A certain Future star with huge potential!
2. Bohdan Lednev (Zorya)
The Ukrainian Beckham has undeniably been the UPL Player of the Season.
His pinpoint delivery & astute link up play – alongside his 11 goals have been pivotal in Zorya’s silver medal charge.
He’s also not bad at Free Kicks either (Joint most scored in Europe this season – alongside Messi). Esteemed company!
1. Alan Patrick (Shakhtar)
Not chosen one of the more obvious players at the league leaders disposal here. It’s time to highlight a more under appreciated one.
The creative compliment to the hard hitting Stepanenko in CM; Patrick relies on the defensive responsibilities of his partner to cover, allowing him to be free to move the ball forward. He also possesses elegant passing and gets the odd goal too. Underrated.
ZORYA LONDONSK 